Review

“Cate Blanchett actually pulled off a very odd Louis Vuitton” links

Apr 28, 2016 celebrityabout

Embed from Getty Images Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton… hot or overwrought? [Go Fug Yourself] That time Prince told Kim Kardashian to get off the stage. [Starcasm] Is Amy Adams the Guardian’s Secret Actress columnist? I don’t think so, mostly because the way the woman writes is so Brit-speaky. [LaineyGossip] Aretha Franklin has some thoughts about Prince’s cause of death. [Dlisted] Here’s Jennifer Lawrence’s Time essay about Adele. [The Blemish] Review of The Huntsman: Winter’s War… needs more Charlize Theron? [Buzzfeed] Taylor Hill looks a lot like Irina Shayk, right? [Moe Jackson] Bella Thorne gets pap’d, because it’s a day of the week. [Popoholic] Sheree Whitfield is writing a novel based on Real Housewives of Atlanta. [Reality Tea] Is Lisa Marie Presley about to take down the Church of Scientology? [Pajiba] Priyanka Chopra was told that the girls are replaceable. [Jezebel] An essay from a “fit and chubby girl” who is tired of everyone concern-trolling about her “health.” [XOJane] Embed from Getty Images

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Prince William’s ‘Marie Antoinette-style utterances’ distance him from the public

Apr 27, 2016 marc

It’s a big day for the Cambridges! Prince William and Duchess Kate will be hosting the Obamas at Kensington Palace this evening. Prince Harry will be there to save the dinner, because let’s be honest: the Obamas love Harry. This dinner was added to the Cambridges’ schedule shortly after Will and Kate returned from their “whirlwind” and poorly-received India-Bhutan tour, likely in the hopes of making Will and Kate look “busy” and “not workshy.” Because those headlines still exist, especially following William’s prickly interview with the BBC this week. The Daily Mail reported that William’s office specifically left the door open for journalist Nicholas Witchell to ask the “workshy” questions. A source said: “After recent criticism, William’s team took a calculated decision to promote his image. That’s why the ducking royal duties question was allowed. Before, it would have been off limits.” The problem, perhaps, is that if you’re going to open yourself up to that line of questioning, you better have better answers than “pity poor me, I want to spend time with my family!” One of the Guardian’s columnists was openly mocking William, calling him “Darth Workshy” and mocking his “three-hours a week” gig as a pilot. The Daily Mail’s Jan Moir also picked apart William’s interview in a piece called “Wills must work much harder to win our love.” Some highlights: William needed to check his privilege: “For, surely, life is much harder for those with no future? With uncertain prospects, zero-hour contacts, minimum wage jobs and unable to afford the security of a home of their own. There are millions of people who can only dream of having a role in life they could ‘develop into’. Any role at all would do.” William’s deflection about being a new father: “What loving, young father, in the whole of this country, would not love the opportunity to spend more time with their children? Commuting dads who spend hours each day on trains; dads doing double shifts; dads who never have the opportunity to put their children to bed or cook their breakfast pancakes; dads who have to make do with precious hours of family time snatched together at weekends. Giving endless quality time to the kids is a luxury beyond the means of most parents, who must work to support their children and family life. William might mean well, but Marie Antoinette-style utterances such as these only further distance him from the public.” All privilege and no responsibility: “The Duke and Duchess can’t have all the privilege of royal life with scant few of the concomitant responsibilities. Whereas latchkey kids and working parents just have to get on with it, he faffs about in Norfolk, being lord of the manor and putting in the occasional stint with the East Anglian Air Ambulance….Ordinary dads — whose taxes contribute towards the royal lifestyle — must find it a bit insulting that William luxuriates in the home life they can never have themselves. And while he might mean well, if William wants to earn the respect and affection of the British public, he is going to have to work a lot harder. In more ways than one.” [From The Daily Mail] Boom. I mean, Moir’s piece reads like our comment section, but it’s just further proof (in what is becoming a mountain of evidence) that the tide has really turned with William… and perhaps to a lesser degree, Kate. It does feel like William is getting the brunt of it, which is as it should be. He’s the one who is convinced he’s some sort of PR genius. He’s the one scheming away for ways to avoid work. He’s the one who comes across as “arrogant” and “spoiled.” Last thing – Us Weekly had an extremely unfortunate write-up about how William and Kate were able to have an in-hotel “spa day” during their tour of India. They apparently spent several hours getting royally pampered, complete with soothing wraps and massages. I’m so glad they were able to have a little mini-vacation within their taxpayer-funded vacation, you guys. Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet, PCN.

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THR: Japanese fans aren’t upset with Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Ghost’ casting

Apr 21, 2016 celebrityabout

Earlier this week, we discussed the whitewashing drama that surrounds the Hollywood adaptation of the popular manga property Ghost in the Shell – go here to review Monday’s post. Interestingly enough, it seems that Americans and Europeans are the ones most upset about Scarlett Johansson’s casting as a character who was originally a Japanese woman. While Americans – specifically Asian-Americans – think this is just another terrible case of Hollywood whitewashing, it seems like ScarJo’s casting has been met with a shrug in Japan. The Hollywood Reporter did an interesting story about the reaction of Japanese fans to both Scarlett’s casting and the American whitewashing criticism. The casting of Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the Paramount/DreamWorks adaptation of Japanese anime hit Ghost in the Shell has drawn accusations of “whitewashing” and sparked fierce debate on social media across the Western world. But in the home of the manga and anime cult classic, the reaction to the media firestorm was mostly surprise as many Japanese had already assumed that the lead role in a Hollywood version of the story would go to a white actress. The original manga, written by Masamune Shirow, was published in 1989 by Kodansha, which licensed it for Mamoru Oshii’s seminal 1995 anime feature, a number of Japanese spin-off films and anime series, and most recently for the Hollywood live-action version. “Looking at her career so far, I think Scarlett Johansson is well cast,” Sam Yoshiba, director of the international business division at Kodansha’s Tokyo headquarters, tells The Hollywood Reporter. “She has the cyberpunk feel. And we never imagined it would be a Japanese actress in the first place…. This is a chance for a Japanese property to be seen around the world.” Yoshiba recently returned from a visit to the New Zealand set of the movie, where he says he was impressed by the respect being shown for the source material. Many ordinary Japanese manga fans are also nonplussed at the outrage over the casting. “If you want a Japanese cast, then a Japanese company should make the film in Japan,” said long-time manga fan Tetsuya Kataoka. Interestingly, the casting of an Asian-looking actress may have avoided the “whitewashing” accusations and likely placated some fans in Europe and America, but provoked a worse reaction in Japan. “It’s a shame they didn’t choose a Japanese person to tell such an interesting story. But at least they didn’t cast a Chinese actress, like they did in Memoirs of a Geisha,” said Ai Ries Collazo, another manga fan. “[Zhang Ziyi] actually did an amazing job, but it was like: really? Again, can’t they find a Japanese actress? Though casting an Asian actress would probably have gone down better in America.” Japanese manga and anime fans pointed out that similar “race-bending” casting takes place in reverse for domestic productions. Two live-action movies based on the Attack on Titan manga, also originally published by Kodansha, were released last year. The characters in the manga by Hajime Isayama were Western, but the cast for the movies was all Japanese. [From The Hollywood Reporter] I guess it probably bodes well that Japanese manga fans don’t care that a white woman was cast, and I also see their point about “well, at least they didn’t cast some vaguely Asian actress in lieu of getting a Japanese actress.” I agree that it would have been worse if they hired a Chinese-American or Korean-American actress, like all Asian ethnicities are interchangeable. But still…despite what these manga fans and Japanese fans say, I still think this is pretty egregious whitewashing. Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet, Dreamworks.

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Chris Evans isn’t ruling out running for political office: ‘I would never say never’

Apr 11, 2016 marc

Captain America fans be damned, I’ve never really been a huge Chris Evans stan. I don’t have a problem with him, it’s just that he sometimes (SOMETIMES) seems like a neurotic whiner. But he’s not like that in his interview with the new issue of Esquire Middle East. He comes across well and almost sort-of Captain America-like. Before now, I had no idea that his uncle is currently serving in the House of Representatives. His uncle is Rep. Mike Capuano. Do they call him “Cap” too?! Anyway, Chris talks about politics and more. Some highlights: Whether he would run for political office: “I would never say never. I’ve always thought it would be nice one day to think about some sort of political pursuit. I’m so proud of my uncle and of anyone who dedicates themselves to helping the progression of society in exacting change for the betterment of mankind. Ultimately, there’s very few things that I consider to be noble and challenging. I know that Washington is a tough place. I have my opinions and maybe later on in life I might try and actually get up on a soap box.” Directing his first movie, Before We Go: “I’d wanted to direct for a long time. It’s just hard to find someone who’s willing to let you direct. I have no training. I’ve never been to any sort of school, so it’s a gamble. It was a situation where we found a script that felt manageable. This was a simple story; it’s two people. It just felt very contained and, not to sound awful, but I aimed a little low, just because I wanted to get my feet wet. I think there’s no shame in that. I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew the first time out.” What happened as a director: “There were a lot of things I thought I was prepared for that never became a problem, and things I didn’t think would be an issue that ended up being one. So it was very eye opening. But I loved the experience and I want to do it again. I’m trying to aim a little higher in terms of the story and the scope. I feel a little more comfortable behind the camera, and it’s now just about finding the right script. Because the really great scripts are snatched up by the really great directors. So it’s about digging and trying to find the diamond in the rough.” He’ll take more of a break from acting when he has kids: “I would never stop acting completely, because I do love it, but if I was to get married and have kids, I could see myself wanting to be less of a famous actor. The fame thing is the tricky part, especially when you have children, and there is a nice element to the investment in directing. Even the amount of time and passion required for pre- and post-production; you’re with a project intimately for a year. As an actor you’ve got a few months and then you completely forget about it. So I like that connection, and I like that you can be a little more in the shadows but still be part of a profession that you’re in love with.” On ambition: “My big ambition is to not have a big ambition. I know it’s kind of strange but mu goal in life is to practice trying to be present on a daily basis. I think, as people, our consciousness is spread out. We analyze the past, we worry about the future, and it’s all fueled by fear and pain and all these negative things. Even when its good it’s going to be not good in a minute. Then you’re chasing it again. It’s all rooted in time and I think my big ambition is to really practice the ability to quiet my brain a little and just learn how to enjoy the moment.” [From E! News] I didn’t see Before We Go, but I remember that the reviews weren’t bad or anything. He didn’t embarrass himself and he’ll probably be given another opportunity to direct, because Hollywood loves rewarding white guys. I’m just saying… if a black, Asian or Hispanic actor had made the jump to directing and made so little impact with their first film, would they be given another opportunity? As for what he says about possibly running for political office… I actually like that idea. He doesn’t carry around the kind of personal baggage that many “political” actors have – as in, I know less about Chris’s personal life than George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, etc. And I think it’s cute that he’s already planning ahead for when he’s married and has kids. PS… Chris debuted this new clip from Captain America: Civil War at the MTV Movie Awards. Thanks, @ChrisEvans for debuting this EXCLUSIVE clip from #CaptainAmericaCivilWar at the #MovieAwards! https://t.co/pMOcII0hl6 — MTV (@MTV) April 11, 2016 HD outtake of Chris Evans for Esquire Middle East April 2016 Issue. #ChrisEvans #Chris #Evans #EsquireMagazine #Cevans #TeamCevans A photo posted by Chris Evans (@teamcevans) on Apr 2, 2016 at 4:06pm PDT Photos courtesy of Esquire.

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How much money is Duchess Kate spending on clothes for her 6-day tour?

Apr 4, 2016 videos

In this post, I’m using photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge from their last big overseas trip, the Australian and New Zealand tour in 2014. I’m doing that because we’re going to talk about clothes, more specifically the clothes Kate will be wearing for the India-Bhutan tour, which doesn’t start until April 10. We still don’t know which designers Kate will be using for the tour, but several outlets are running previews and I guess we should start to get excited about Kate-in-a-sari. Do you think that will even happen? I would love to see her in a sari, but I think it’s far more likely that she would wear a British Indian designer, something with Indian flavor but very much a formal gown. You never know though, maybe Kate will whip out a sari. The Telegraph did a big story on what Kate will wear, but there isn’t much new info here. She’ll take 12-15 outfits for six days, she’ll have “daytime dresses and evening gowns” and hopefully at least one pair of jeggings, I’m assuming. Kate’s team – including her secretary Rebecca Deacon – did a “rehearsal trip” to India to scout locations, take photos and prepare the color story of what Kate will be wearing. Still, a royal source insists: “She is in charge of it herself and takes an interest in paying tribute to the host country with nods to their culture and local style on at least a few of the engagements. The important factor on this tour is the heat, so that’s an issue that plays a big part in the choice of outfits.” She’s likely “commissioned” some special pieces as well as looking for some stuff online. She will be traveling with Natasha Archer – who acts as her stylist (very poorly, I might add) – and Amanda Cook Tucker, who is her hairstylist/wiglet tamer. No one has any idea how much Kate is spending on clothes for this tour, but I think we can assumed that she’s easily spending $40,000 or more. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail’s gossip girl (The Girl About Town) had this interesting piece of news: The Duchess of Cambridge is to cement her title as the Queen of Norfolk by hosting a £10,000-a-head ultra-exclusive party for 80 members of the county’s high society. The lavish gala will be held at Houghton Hall, Palladian stately home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley, and a short drive from Kate and Wills’ Anmer Hall. Kate’s name features on the invitation and the party is in aid of the East Anglia Children’s Hospice, the charity of which Kate became a patron in 2012. Tickets start at £6,000 per head and those who pay £10,000 are invited to stay at Houghton with the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley after the party on June 22, ten days after the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations. The ball will include a champagne reception, a lecture by writer Anthony Horowitz, live jazz, a magician, and food by top chefs including Tom Kerridge. The event is another sign that Kate will host more charitable events after Her Majesty turns 90 and will be good practice for Kate the working Royal, with an impressive list of grandees attending the proceedings in Houghton’s marble-clad Stone Hall. [From The Daily Mail] Since I’m an Anglophile, I know that “Cholmondeley” is pronounced “chumly” for British reasons. While I always applaud the very idea of Kate going to work and raising money for charity, of course the only way they’re getting Kate out of the house is by getting her to attend a fancy party full of posh people. I understand that is the definition of modern charitable fundraising, so why is it like pulling teeth to get Kate to attend/co-host charity fundraisers? Also – will Kate and William ever open up Anmer Hall for a fundraiser? Why must the Marchioness of Cholmondeley open her home for Kate’s fundraiser? Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.

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Tom Hiddleston came to Vegas for the ACM Awards: would you hit it?

Apr 4, 2016 videos

I’m pretty sure the Dragonflies knew/suspected this: Tom Hiddleston made an appearance at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards. He’s still shilling for I Saw the Light, so he went to pay homage to country music and Hank Williams and all of that. I think Tom looked really nice – his hair didn’t look shellacked, and it almost looks like he spent the day doing dirty things in a Las Vegas hotel room (the ACM Awards were held in Vegas). In other Hiddles news, his full Daily Beast interview was released over the weekend – you can read the full piece here. He has a lot to say about music in general, how much he loves Radiohead and Nirvana and Amy Winehouse and more. I’m including some other photos of some of the “hot guys” at the ACM Awards. Mostly because… you guys, I’m developing a thing for Luke Bryan. I used to think he was a boring country douche-bro, but as time goes on… I think I like him. Sort of. At the very least, I find him attractive. Those sexy beanpoles get me every damn time. Luke was the co-host of the ACM Awards along with Dierks Bentley. The reviews of their performance were… mixed. Here’s Scotty McCreery. I’m not into him, but some of you might be. And here’s Sam Hunt, one of the few highlights from this year’s Grammys. He needs different hair and some lessons on how to pose on the carpet, but otherwise… he looks good. Final guy: Dierks Bentley, the other co-host. My mom thinks he’s good-looking. I’m not feeling it. Embed from Getty Images Photos courtesy of Getty, WENN.

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The Bachelor Finale Sneak Preview: Ben Proposes to …

Mar 8, 2016 celebrityabout

Ben Higgins WILL pop the question on The Bachelor season finale Monday. That much is clear. But he's IN LOVE with TWO women, so … Will it be Jojo Fletcher or Lauren Bushnell getting asked?! The Bachelor spoilers shed light on that if you care for that insight. If not, man, the preview below is a feast for the overly-edited senses! “I’m sitting here on a bathroom floor," Ben tells one of his two finalists around the halfway point. "And … I love you. I’m in love with you.” “But do you love her too?” she asks. “Yes.” Oh s–t, this is about to get REAL. When Ben says he put his fiancee through hell, we now understand a little bit more about what he means … as she has to watch this. In order to fully invest himself in one of these two AMAZING women, Ben brilliantly observes, he will have to say goodbye to the other. How will he handle that? Not well, it looks like. He is a lost man right now, he assures us, unaware of what comes next or how to react. The fallout could be epic. Not just for the drama of who Ben Higgins will choose, or how the woman whose heart he breaks will respond. It can't be easy to hear that he was falling just as hard for someone else, and some fans have theorized that his engagement is in peril. That's just conjecture, however. The show's track record is so poor, we would not assume any happily-ever-after scenarios, but we wouldn't rule them out. Not yet anyway. What we can tell you is that this is a man fighting back tears when he talks about the woman he DOES plan to propose to, and … wow. Is it dusty in here now too?! Check out the preview for Monday's season-ender below and tell us: Team Lauren or Team Jojo? And will Ben and the winner last?